Exams have finished, unrealistic resolutions have been broken and the godforsaken ‘Dry January’ is no more. As we settle down to life in 2016, now seems the perfect time to reflect on just how good – and at times baffling – last year was for music. It was a year which saw the NHS trounce The X Factor, Adele said ‘Hello’ then broke a shit-tonne of records, whilst a certain Mr Bieber confounded everyone and actually produced some quality music (I felt dirty typing that). However, away from the limelight, 2015 was responsible for lots of good music – some that may have just passed you by. But wait, please don’t panic! Luckily I have taken it upon myself to review the tracks that you may have missed. Here are my Best of the Rest.
Together PANGEA – Looked In Too
I wanted to start this review on an upbeat note – and you can’t get much more upbeat than ‘Looked In Too’ by Californian band, Together PANGEA. The track – taken from the newly released EP ‘The Phage’ – oozes attitude; with its raw guitar riffs, quick-fire drumming and boisterous vocals that leave the listener nostalgic for one’s youth. This punchy three minute number makes the perfect anthem to start a night of drunken depravity; to fight, to fuck, to wake up covered in cold kebab (and what you hope to God is garlic sauce…).
Quinn XCII – Demon
The second is from up-and-coming Michigan-based artist, Quinn XCII. ‘Demon’, taken from the delightful EP ‘Change of Scenery’, epitomises everything that was great about new music in 2015. Produced by ayokay, ‘Demon’ manages to marry chilled electronic vibes – reminiscent of something ‘The xx’ might produce – and catchy guitar tones into a gorgeously simple, yet highly addictive melody. More importantly the soft and heartfelt vocals of Quinn XCII are rich in soul but perfectly marketable for mainstream music.
DAGNY – Backbeat
You may choose to deny it in public, but from time to time we all need a little bit of easy-listening, foot-tapping, sing-in-the-shower pop. If you’re tired of listening to Carly Rae Jepson or Katy Perry (yes, even ‘Good Time’ and ‘Roar’ can become repetitive) then Norway’s Dagny Sandvik, with her debut track ‘Backbeat’, may just help placate this desire. With its catchy chorus and tribal drum beat, even the most conservative of listener cannot fail to crack a smile at this perfect pop song. From your very first listen, it’s nigh on impossible to not be hooked by DAGNY’s exuberant yet innocent undertones.
Zak Abel – Running From Myself
I must admit that I love a good song to strut to. A song that makes you walk just that little bit taller. A song that makes breaking into dance in public places a very real possibility (something I tend to do on a regular basis…). Well, Zak Abel’s ‘Running From Myself’ is certainly one of these songs. The young singer-songwriter from North London packs an impressive voice that is mature beyond its years and an innate ability to write unforgettable songs. As such, the wistfully smooth soul lyrics play perfectly off the intermittent scat-based vocals and double bass hook, resulting in a track that keeps on getting better and better with each listen.
BANNERS – Start A Riot
There are times when you listen to a band and just know that they are set for big things. BANNERS fall firmly into this category. Michael Nelson’s delicately coercive vocals (on a par with Peter Liddle’s from Dry the River) are those of a storyteller – ideal as ‘Start A Riot’ is a tale as old as time, of you and me against the world. Although it’s a familiar concept, ‘Start A Riot’ still sounds fresh; as if we are hearing about this romantic saga for the very first time. From its first chord the track is reassuringly familiar whilst completely different. It sucks you in, swirls you about a myriad of delicious key changes before disappearing as quickly as it appeared.
CHINAH – Away From Me
The last couple of years have seen a mass influx of alternative (yet truly exceptional) female artists, with the likes of Daughter and Grimes being undeniable forces for good in developing new music. The beautiful ‘Away From Me’ by Danish band CHINAH certainly continues this progressive pattern. Layering the haunting vocals of Fine Glindvad over subtle synths and minimalist beats has produced a debut single that cannot help but invoke an array of emotions, undoubtedly leaving you deep in contemplation.
PINES – Fate
From backpacking across the continent to sipping G&Ts in a hip bar, unless you’ve lived under a rock (one without a broadband connection) you will have certainly come across the musical obsession that is ODESZA. As such, their brand of electronic chillwave has successfully made the transition from underground community to global phenomena, and has clearly influenced PINES with their track, ‘Fate’. The Australian duo responsible for PINES have managed to produce 219 seconds that exude euphoric tones and ethereal vibes, which successfully transport its listener to a place where they are truly happiest.
L D R U – Keeping Score (feat. Paige IV)
I wanted to stay in Australia for this next track, as the country is undoubtedly (and perhaps unknowingly to many) an unheralded global music superpower. Gone are the days where Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan were their best musical exports; instead replaced by a tide of ridiculously good electronic dance producers. And I mean ridiculously good. Flume, Hermitude, and Hayden James – to name but a few – have all stemmed from Australia; however it’s L D R U’s ‘Keeping Score’ that makes its way into my ‘Best of the Rest’ for 2015. It’s an absolute rollercoaster of a track, building slowly around the vocals of Paige IV before dropping into blasts of bass and trap at break-neck speed.
Pablo Nouvelle – Take Me To A Place (feat. Liv)
My penultimate track is the creation of Pablo Nouvelle, a producer who resides in the country that gave us Toblerones, Roger Federer and corrupt football officials (allegedly). When listening to ‘Take Me To A Place’ it’s quite easy to imagine yourself on top of the Matterhorn, more than 4,000m high. This is because the distinct vocals of British musician Liv, deftly positioned amongst layers of intricate guitar play and chilled beats, help paint a picture most apt for the song’s title.
Lewis Del Mar – Loud(y)
This 2015 review ends with New York-based duo Lewis Del Mar and, without overstating it, I’ve saved the very best till last. I could wax lyrical about how good this track is and how successful Lewis Del Mar will undeniably be; however, I’m not going to do that. Instead, just sit back, turn the volume up and listen to ‘Loud(y)’ for yourself. You’ll soon see why they are the Best of the Rest.
Dougie Phillips